Sen. Mitchell discusses fiscal cliff to East Tenn. audience

A long-time U.S. Senator and one-time majority leader spent the day in East Tennessee talking peace and politics, including what he believes will happen with the so-called fiscal cliff.

Senator George Mitchell spoke on Tuesday at the UT Baker Center on the UT campus as part of the new Baker distinguished lecture series.

Afterwards, he explained why he believes lawmakers on both sides will find a middle ground and avoid the one-two punch of tax hikes and automatic spending cuts set to take effect around New Years.

"Look, they have an interest in doing it. The House Republicans have been described as obstructionists and they don't want that label. If this process fails, that's going to be the label," said Mitchell. "On the other hand, Obama is going to be judged on what he gets done, not on who's to blame if it doesn't get done. So they both have political interest to do what's in the national interest, and I hope they will."